About

“There’s no ‘should’ or ‘should not’
when it comes to having feelings. They’re part of who we are and their origins
are beyond our control. When we can believe that, we may find it easier to make
constructive choices about what to do with those feelings.” -The World According to Mister Rogers.

All Children Matter!

Hi there! My name is Lynette Eklund,
and I believe Mr. Rogers was right. Everything we do is driven by our
emotions. How we react to things, how we go about getting what we want, how we
communicate to others…. One of the biggest parenting challenges is teaching
kids good manners—not just how to say please and thank you, but how to
socialize well outside the family unit.

I want to create Mifren’s Manner
so that every child who watches it can develop confidence in him or herself by
knowing how to act (and react) so they won’t feel so awkward; they won’t feel
the need to hide or become defensive, and they’ll be able to find fun
everywhere, and in everything. In my heart, I don’t believe any child sets
becoming a bully, a misfit, a cool-kid, or any other “type” of person as a
goal. Still, the fact remains, it happens…

How Will Mifren’s Manner
Help?

Mifren’s Manner is show
that will combine people, crazy puppets, adorable creatures, art projects, and
bits of animation to create a show for kids that is entertaining, educational,
and inspiring. Each episode will focus on a particular social skill, ranging
from basic etiquette to social diplomacy.

From the comfort of her whimsical
art studio in the attic of her manor, our host, Mifren, will help her
irresistibly cuddly, giant dust bunny, Dabbler, and her more rambunctious pal,
Bump, understand the necessity of manners. While her teen co-host, Buddy, will
take viewers through Mifren’s Magic Easel, out into the real world, so they can
exercise their newly-discovered manners, while experiencing new places, meeting
new people, learning about new opportunities, and finding out just how fun and
beautiful life can be.

Finally, each episode will end with
Mifren and her friends (our friends) settling down on the daybed together,
where they can share the day’s adventure, and review how what they learned will
help them grow.

We Need This Show Now!

That is why we will be creating the first 3
complete episodes, to air on the internet as soon as they are complete. This way I will have what I need to present the show for sponsorship
support, grants, and the television market to find funding for the full series;
while you will already have 3 complete episodes to watch and share with
your children—even before Mifren’s Manner gets that “big break”.
This way, you will benefit from helping us meet out Kickstarter goal—beyond
your incentive reward—as soon as possible!

JUST CLICK ON THE LITTLE GREEN "Back this project" BUTTON AT THE TOP LEFT, TO JOIN OUR TEAM.

And if we meet our initial goal,
stretch goals will allow you to benefit even more!

HAVE QUESTIONS? Read on or click on my little round photo at the top to send me a message. I'm here for you!

Who Are These Characters?!

Mifren is our energetic host. She’s an artist who loves to
share all kinds of art with the kids. She will draw, sculpt, paint and glue, do
origami and pumpkin sculpt, carve ice, or do just about anything, to show kids
all the different ways they can express themselves besides just talking. And
what things she doesn’t do herself—or doesn’t want to do alone—guest artists will come in and share, like ventriloquism, or writing, or singing.

Buddy is our teen adventuring host and wonder-er. He will take
kids to talk to restaurateurs, and teachers, safety professionals, and kids of
all cultures. He will visit playgrounds, and theaters, and neighborhoods and
museums of all kinds… where he will ask questions and make friends, and allow
kids to experience, grow to understand, and appreciate things they may not
have access to just now, in any other way than through us.

Dabbler is an enormous dust bunny, (live action suit character) who hides under the daybed in
Mifren’s art studio; but if the room is calm, he’ll come out. He’s very
enthusiastic about learning art, because he’s not very comfortable talking, and
often times feels misunderstood. With Mifren’s help, he’s gaining confidence
though, and we’re sure he’ll squeak and chirp his way into your heart.

Bump is an impulsive little imp (puppet). He’s a little too out-going, a
little too quick to act (or react) and a little too silly; so while he wants to
be in the middle of it all, his pranks and overly-everything behavior tend to
give others the wrong impression. But with Mifren’s guidance, he’s learning how
to direct that energy, so he can have all the friends he wants—without become
somebody he’s not in the process.

What’s the Point?

Through
engaging experiences and friendly characters, kids will be inspired to:

While children are still young and
curious is the time to instill good conduct and cooperation. Whether it is
behavior in public, in one’s own home, at school, or as a guest in another’s
home… Respect for others—and oneself—is what allows a child to stay open-minded
to differences, and to invite the gracious fulfillment of curiosities, rather
than suppressing ideas, and stifling dreams.

Who
Are We?

What Are Others Saying?

“As a parent and former teacher I can tell you, these tiny humans don't come with instructions. Sometimes the best way to teach is to NOT teach. Kids learn so much just by watching. As a radio personality, I've hosted many events and worked with hundreds of children over the years. If there's one thing that stands out it's seeing children that always seem lost: not sure how to act or interact with others. Social skills are becoming a lost art. I think Mifren's Manner has the potential to be a great, fun learning experience for kids while helping them tap into their creative side and gain those all important skills.” -Rick Duncan, Radio Personality & Former Preschool Teacher

"As a middle school art teacher I see every year more and more students struggling with social skills. The need is great, the time is right, and art is the perfect language with which to engage and impact this eager audience." -Chris Greeson, Junior High Art Teacher

“I am concerned for the future of that child and ultimately society. The best way to teach manners is through modeled behavior--you don’t need to nag children--you just have to show them the way. Mifren’s Manner could be a much-needed help in teaching our children how to navigate their feelings and finding confidence in their interactions with others. Imagine the world without manners? The world needs Mifren’s Manner." -Sam Ellis, Creative Director & Visual Storyteller

So, In a Nutshell…

We must accept the fact that the
media is going to influence our children’s lives. So, we must also make
sure there are shows with good influence for them to see. If we teach
appropriate behavior and social tolerance during these years, we can create a
safer social and school environment.

And while we already have a lot of very talented film industry professionals cutting their rates (several are contributing their time for between 15%-free) we still need money to buy materials to complete the sets, costumes, puppets, and props, to rent camera and lighting equipment, to cover post-production studio time, location costs, and all those other expenses that can only be met with cold, hard cash.

JUST CLICK ON THE LITTLE GREEN "Back this project" BUTTON AT THE TOP LEFT, TO JOIN OUR TEAM!

I am SO excited to be able to offer
something good to our kids, by bringing you Mifren’s Manner. Please,
join our team. Along with your financial support, please like, post and share
this page with others.

Every child needs a friend. Let’s give them Mifren!

Risks and challenges

Bringing this project to children will take time and money, but I already have a supportive team lined up willing to work at a discount to bring this show to completion. So, while we may encounter things that may shift our air date, I take your support—and the show’s purpose—very seriously, and will do my utmost to deliver the best show we can, on time, and to keep you informed as we go along, through updates.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $20 or more
About $20

You're welcome!

Thank you so much! We will add your name to Mifren's Wall of Recognition on our web site. We will also send you an invitation to join our private discussion on social behavior, etiquette and art, so we can direct our shows to the needs we see the most. We know you care, and we want to hear from you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

You're welcome!

Thank you so much! We will add your name to Mifren's Wall of Recognition on our web site. We will also send you an invitation to join our private discussion on social behavior, etiquette and art, so we can direct our shows to the needs we see the most. We know you care, and we want to hear from you!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $30 or more
About $30

Pleased to Meet You!

We are so grateful! We will place your name among the Special Thanks on our show, and send you a signed postcard. Postcard art by Terri Hardin. Cards going out of the continental US will be sent digitally,

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

Pleased to Meet You!

We are so grateful! We will place your name among the Special Thanks on our show, and send you a signed postcard. Postcard art by Terri Hardin. Cards going out of the continental US will be sent digitally,

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $40 or more
About $40

Come On In, Kids!

Thank you SO much! We will send you a cast photo. You will also receive early access to Mifren's Friend Club, where you will get emails full of art & fun to hold you over until the web site once it is complete and secure. At which point, we will forward you access to the online club for free! Photos going outside the continental US will be sent digitally.

SPECIAL NOTE: For the safety and privacy of minors, this reward does not include previous reward tiers, which allow public name postings.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Mifren's Door Is Open!

Thank you SO much! We will send you a cast photo. You will also receive early access to Mifren's Friend Club, where you will get emails full of art & fun to hold you over until the web site once it is complete and secure. At which point, we will forward you access to the online club for free!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

A Friendly Bump

Thank you for your generosity! We will send you a Limited Edition Mifren's Manner Kickstarter poster. This poster will only be available through the Mifren's Manner Kickstarter campaign. Poster art by Terri Hardin.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, and Twitter thanks of the $100 reward tier. Some items going outside the continental US or Canada being sent digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Buddy's Buddies!

An enormous thank you! Send us a photo of yourself, your kid, your loved one, or your pet, and Lynette Eklund will immortalize that likeness with a drawing on the frame the Magic Easel, which is featured in every episode! Prior to the show's release, you will receive an email, letting you know the general location of your face on the Magic Easel's frame, so when you watch the show, you'll be able to find it easier. You will also receive a producer credit on the pilot episode.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, and Twitter thanks of the $150 reward tier. Some items going outside the continental US or Canada being sent digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $800 or more
About $800

Helping Hands!

Thank you so very much! We will give you a private one-on-one Skype workshop with either Terri Hardin to talk sculpting, puppeteering, or puppet building; OR with Lynette Eklund to discuss suit building, suit performing, or writing. Just pick a person and a topic! You will also receive a producer credit on the pilot episode.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, and Twitter thanks of the $150 reward tier. Some items going outside the continental US or Canada being sent digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

Undivided Attention

We are eternally grateful! Send us a photo of you or your child, and Terri Hardin will do an illustrated a one-of-a-kind portrait just for you. You will also receive a producer credit on the pilot episodes.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, and Twitter thanks of the $150 reward tier. Some items going outside the continental US or Canada may be sent digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

Warm Greetings

Thank you believing in us! We will send you a DVD of the final pilot, with a personalized group thanks delivered to you by the cast, while holding a photo or name card (your preference) at the end of the episode. You will also receive a producer credit on the first three episodes, and your name will appear on a set piece in Mifren's studio! AND... you will receive an invitation for you and a guest to the screening party in southern California, or the one in central Indiana (travel & accommodations not included.)

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, and Twitter thanks of the $150 reward tier. Some items going outside the continental US or Canada may be sent digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Teamwork!

Thank you for caring so much! We will send you a copies of all three original scripts, signed by the creator, a special autographed cast photo, your poster will be signed by the full cast and crew of the 3 original episodes, and you will receive your very own Dust Bunny (a silly little character that pops up at random during the episodes) designed and constructed by Lynette Eklund.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, producer credit, personalized thanks DVD, screening invitation, name on a set piece, and Twitter thanks of the $2500 reward tier. (travel & accommodations not included.)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $7,500 or more
About $7,500

Spreading Kindness

We can't thank you enough! Terri Hardin will sculpt you a 4" one-of-a-kind custom figurine of your choice. Painted by Lynette Eklund. This will include a signed certificate of authenticity. You will also receive a producer credit on the first three episodes, and your name will appear on a set piece in Mifren's art studio!

NOTE: You and Terri will discuss and agree on the character.

Also includes the postcard, cast signed photo, poster, and Twitter thanks of the $150 reward tier.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10,000
About $10,000

Guest of Honor

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and always! You or your child will have a featured appearance on one of three episodes, and will take home a basket with gifts just for you that will include a DVD of behind the scenes photos, a T-shirt and many other personal gifts! (travel & accommodations not incl.) And not only will you receive a producer credit on the first three episodes, we will give your performance a Special Appearance credit on the front of that episode!

Featured scene will be filmed in either southern California or central Indiana area.

Also includes the postcard, specially-signed cast and crew photo, signed poster, signed scripts, producer credit, personalized thanks DVD, Dust Bunny, name on a set piece, screening invitation, and Twitter thanks of the $5000 reward tier. (travel & accommodations not included.)